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Football

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates his touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of their NFL football game in Foxborough, Massachusetts December 30, 2012. (REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi)

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is recovering from a torn ACL and surgery in December. Given his recent run of injuries, the former All-Pro is not making any promises regarding his return.

"I'm actually improving every week. It's feeling good and coming along very well," Gronkowski told WAAF-FM's Hill-Man Show on Tuesday.

Last offseason, Gronkowski was a regular in the operating room. He required multiple surgeries to repair back and forearm injuries -- and clear up an infection that became a major setback and kept him out of the 2013 season opener -- and is being cautious not to encounter unwanted delays this time around.

"When it's the same thing 15 weeks straight, it starts to get tough," Gronkowski said. "But you just have to stay mentally tough and stay physically strong and keep going in and keep grinding. It's been a while now and I'm just super excited to get this season rolling and get back out there on the field. I know it's another few more months away, so I have more time to keep on recovering and keep on getting in shape."

Gronkowski would not declare himself ready for training camp or even the 2014 regular-season opener. He underwent surgery on Jan. 9 for ACL reconstruction and in February had his torn MCL repaired.

"Oh man, that's too far away," Gronkowski said about playing in September. "I'm just improving every day right now. I'm working hard every day to put myself in the best situation so that I'm ready."